Chanel has released two new Illusion D’Ombres outside the U.S. market, including the pink-coral Illusion D’Ombre Abstraction and high-shine metallic gold Illusion D’Ombres Vision (28-29 euros each, depending on location). This is a gel cream formula introduced by Chanel during their Fall collection last year. My original six are still doing well–there is no sign of drying out or aging. Although the product tends to pull away from the sides, I understand that this is because the gel is cross-linked and so holds together rather than a traditional gel or creme. I tend to believe that explanation, they still seem as moist as the day that I first opened them.

Unlike the first series, Abstraction and Vision seem to be more opaque. The earlier six (particularly Epatant and Illusiore) have a texture that had complex inner layers of color that sheered out beautifully. Although Abstraction and Vision still have the magical texture, the color of both is more opaque, less complex, and (especially for the gold Vision) harder to sheer out.

Of these two, most readers will find Chanel Illusion D’Ombre in Abstraction suits most occasions easily. This is a color that looks almost coral in the pot, but applies as a soft pink pearl. I can see that this will pair well with Illusiore (or any other powder shadow in the violet category). Readers who dislike wearing pink on the lid should heed that instinct. This does lean pink when applied (Chanel calls it a “peach rose”). Abstraction’s light and pearly tone keep this from giving me a full pink-eye effect, particularly when mixed with another shadow. However, the other colors in the original six are much more in my comfort zone.

Chanel occasionally releases a color in its line that is over-the-top fantastic in the catwalk sense of the term. For many reasons, this is why I love the line–they are an haute couture design house, so it should be no surprise. Vision fits within that category–this is a highly-reflective shimmery, sparkling pot of gold. If worn full-force, it’s worthy of a high fashion moment. One might pat out the color or wear it sheerly. As one of the Cafe Makeup commenters noted, Vision is a gold version of Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Fantasme. I did experience a bit of fallout, and layering Vision takes practice because it can get a bit patchy. I got the best results mixing Vision with a moisturizer first–it allows the product to be worn sheerly without any patchiness.

Readers should note that Chanel Illusion D’Ombre in Vision is a high-reflect, glitter-rich product. The micro glitter in the other Illusion D’Ombre (except for Fantasme) is far more subtle than Vision. I experienced fall out during application, and the glitter twinkles a bit like a MAC Reflects–it’s prominent.

Here are swatches of Chanel Abstraction and Chanel Vision, applied both heavily and lightly. There is no moisturizer used in this image, these swatches are straight from the pots:

Another set:

I have a feeling that Abstraction and Vision will go into a “don’t use much” category of Illusion D’Ombre, along with Fantasme. Abstraction can work with the new eyeshadow quad Variation released with this collection (review to come). Vision is a niche, glamorous product that is highly reflective, metallic and glittery. I did find this makeup look wearing Abstraction on Emma Stone on Chanel’s Facebook page:

To Abstraction has been sheered out to get this look (or perhaps the lighting has washed out the color a touch). Either way, it looks amazing with Emma’s eyes. Here’s the complete break-down from the Chanel release:

Eyes: I applied a wash of CHANEL Illusion D’Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Abstraction, a shimmery peach rose shade available in November. I finished the eyes with two coats of Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in Noir.

Lips: The focal point of the makeup was definitely the lip. I used CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Rivoli. I love the contrast of a deep lip shade on fair skin; it’s always so arresting and takes a real commitment to wear. Only a girl with real confidence can pull it off with grace.